I had so much fun reading through the acts of kindness and I quickly saw a common trend- not only did a lot of you make someone smile, but many of you admitted that doing this made you feel great as well. I wanted to share a list of some of the things people did this week and maybe others will get as inspired as I was by this list! So here are 26 simple (and mostly free) ways to be kind:

Compliment a stranger.

Pick up the tab for someone at a restaurant.

Hold the door open for someone.

Pay for the person behind you at the drive thru.

Say hi to people as you walk by them.

Volunteer for a good cause.

If you see trash outside, pick it up and throw it away.

Call an old friend who may be going through a tough time and let them know you’re there for them.

Go out of your way to welcome a new coworker.

Smile at a stranger for no reason.

Leave a nice note on a random car.

Let someone checkout ahead of you in the grocery store.

Visit patients at a hospital.

Thank a law enforcement officer or military member.

Donate unwanted clothes.

Tie balloons to a neighbor’s mailbox.

Give someone a high five.

Leave coins in the change slot of a vending machine for the next person.

Offer to do some cleaning for someone who may need help.

Send homemade baked goods to a friend or family member.

Be kind in traffic. Let cars cut in front of you if they need to.

Leave a smiley face or nice note on a receipt.

Offer to help carry someone’s groceries out to their car.

Pass out water or cheer on runners at a running event.

Surprise someone with a gift.

Cut your neighbor’s grass.

I wanted to share one more random act of kindness from a woman who just started chemotherapy last week. This one made me tear up. In her exact words, this is what she did:

“So I approached a random stranger today during my first day of treatment. She looked scared and was shaking, so I asked her if she was alone. She answered she was. I asked if she was a new patient and she was returning after her previous treatments to see the Dr. I didn’t pry but asked if I might ask her a question and she said yes. So I asked if she believed in God and she said yes. So I handed her a rock with my favorite quote. She seemed to be grateful, thanked me and was holding it tightly when I left. I hope it gave her a little extra strength today.”

What are some other simple, easy acts of kindness that would brighten someone’s day? If you have any other ideas, please share them in the comments below!

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.” -Dalai Lama

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I repaired a toilet flange for someone free of charge, as a plumber I really do appreciate it when I can help someone in need and not expect anything in return. I think that is why we are here in the first place, to put others before ourselves.